Circuit of Cordillera Huayhuash 12 days

This is a shorter version of our classic 15 day trek and essentially follows the same route, but omitting the visit to Siula Grande Base Camp.

Hikers are treated every day to awe inspiring views of rugged snow capped peaks, glacier and large crystal blue lakes.

Although the walking is not difficult, we grade this circuit as hard because of the length of the trek, the number of nights sleeping above 4000m and the number of high passes to cross.

Paula, leader of a group of 12 people from Italy said: Once again, thank you so much for the nice experience we had in Perù and the marvellous hiking we did around the Cordillera Huayhuash. Everybody of our group was very impressed by the excellent organization of your agency and the kindness of all your staff. The guides, the cook and his assistants, the donkey drivers took very good care of us. The food was delicius (this is true twice as we are Italians) and the cooks really surpriced us many times with unbelivable dishes.

Paula’s Group – to the right you can see our dad PABLO with the green checked shirt

Day 1: Drive from Huaraz to the village of Llamac to set up camp 3300m. 4 to 5 hours drive.

Day 2: Follow the river Llamac, hiking gradually up the valley to camp in open grassy countryside at Quartelhuain 4200m 6 hours

Day 3: Cross our first pass Punta Cacanan 4700m then descend to camp at a large lake Laguna Mitucocha 4220m. 6 hours.

Note: If you do not wish to hike from Llamac to Quartelhuain, you can choose to drive direct from Huaraz to Quartelhuain and camp there the first night. You MUST however have at least three days in Huaraz doing day hikes for acclimatisation for this option.

Day 4: We climb steadily to our next pass Paso de Carhuac 4650m to camp at trout filled Laguna Carhuacocha 4150m 6 hours. At the head of the lake are the giant peaks of the Huayhuash – Yerupaja, Jirishanca & the famous Siula Grande.

Day 5: We spend an extra day at spectacular Carhuacocha. Hike up to visit the three lakes of Siula, take an easy walk around Carhuacocha lake, go trout fishing or have a rest day and enjoy your mountain surroundings.

Camp at Laguna Cahuacocha

Day 6: There are 2 options: A gradual ascent on a good path to cross Pass Carnicero 4600m (5 to 6 hours) or a more demanding alternative Siula Pass (4800m) 6 to 7 hours. We camp by the small Laguna Carnicero 4300m

Day 7: We pass through the small settlement of Huayhuash where a few farming families live and then climb to yet another pass Portachuelo de Huayhuash 4750m. We descend past a large lake Viconga where we often see large herds of Llama and Alpaca to camp at 4480m 6½ hours. There are natural hot spring baths near the camp – enjoy your first hot bath for several days!!

Alpacas at Viconga

Day 8: We should be well acclimatised now and ready to cross our highest pass of the trek, Punta Cuyoc 5000m. The descent is initially steep but is then easier and we and camp in large open valley Quebrada Huanacpatay 4300m 6 hours.

Day 9: Follow down the valley Quebrada Huanacpatay to the large mountain village of Huallapa. In the afternoon we need to climb through a steep sided valley to a high camp in the pasture at Huatiac 4350m 6 hours

Day 10: A tough day as we cross two passes Pass Punta Tapush 4750m, then Punta Yaucha 4800m. Descend to camp at the beautiful lake Laguna Jahuacocha 4150m 8 hours.

Laguna Jahuacocha

Day 11: An extra day at Laguna Jahuacocha which must be one of the most beautiful sites in the Huayhuash. Climb up Cerro Amarrillo Peak 5000m, visit Soltera Cocha Lake, hike up the pass Sambunya 4750m OR take a rest and try trout fishing.

Day 12: The final pass Pampa Llamac 4300m and a long descent to Llamac. 5½ hours. Return to Huaraz in our private van

If you know, tell us the approximate dates that you would like to be trekking and the number of people in your group, as well as if you prefer a private trek or would be happy to join with other people.